The trials of life

I feel like there is a life lesson here, but I am too close to the problem right now to appreciate it. Don't get me wrong, life is good in so many respects. I have a wonderful family with a fabulous, caring husband and 4 amazing children (I know, I'm a bit bias) and we have food to eat and a roof over our heads. Things have been good for us, with Trent and I both working and me finishing school. We have had enough for our needs and for surprise moments. We work as a team at our house, everyone having responsibilities so that we run smoothly and are there for each other. The children are successful in there own areas of school and really. life was good. A month ago, Trent received a letter from his employer letting him know the University of Idaho was not going to be renewing his contract, thus, Trent was out his job. This was a shock to him and to me. We saw it as a opportunity to find a better job for Trent. Trent had been looking for a new job at this point, because he was feeling that he had outgrown his current one so we were already applying for other jobs. We both felt comfort that it would not be long before he found another job and there was nothing to worry about. We love the Moscow area and so have kept our search local thus far. I have one more year of my education and we feel strongly that we need to stay together as a family. 

The worry is, the paychecks are stopping and we still have not found new work. It's hard. It is discouraging to make it to the end of a process for countless jobs and not get an offer. So far Trent has applied for 15 plus jobs this last month. He has had 6 in person interviews and all of them have gone from ok to great. We continue to pray for guidance and support, feeling that everything will be ok and that the Lord will provide for us. It's hard to have that kind of faith. To know that a job is out there for Trent but not knowing the where and when for it to occur. 

This reminds me a lot of when we had Hannah, and the trials that came with those blessings. I feel that this is another trial where Trent and I can be strengthened as a couple and as a family. I know that there is a plan here, we are not sure how it is all going to unfold but that it will be right for us. Right now it is about having a positive attitude in a crappy situation and seeing the good in day and not the struggle. We have had to cancel planned vacations, wait for a new dryer and make due with shoes that are getting holes. We have also gotten to spend more time as a family, with Trent home everyday. We are playing together and enjoying each other during summer break. I am taking a rather rushed and strenuous online class for the month and Trent being home has helped support me so I can focus on the class more. The children love having their dad around more than ever before and has been really nice to have that opportunity. 

I decided to write this post, not for sympathy but to let everyone know that we are ok. that we would appreciate any advice or job opportunities available and for your prayers through this trial.  because I think it is bad form to know have a picture in a blog post I have include this picture... 

Trent needed a hair cut to prepare for a job interview... we thought it would be funny to give him a mullet cut for the weekend  and then fix it just before the interview... 

We decided that Trent could probably pull of a mullet... Then I finished cutting his hair :)